Chapter: 1605

It appeared that fate had intervened to reunite them.

Alyssa stepped out of the car and hurried toward Norah, her eyes full of admiration. "Norah, what a coincidence! Are you a friend of Bryson's?"

Alyssa's greeting with Norah surprised others. Joann inquired, "Norah, Alyssa, are you two acquainted?" Alyssa nodded without hesitation. "Yes, I met Norah before."

Bryson, having just stepped out of the car, looked at Alyssa with a complex expression. Typically, Alyssa maintained the demeanor of a polished heiress, rarely exhibiting such openness.

At this moment, however, it was clear to everyone that Alyssa genuinely admired and trusted Norah.

Norah responded, "It's a complex tale. We'll go into it in detail once we arrive at our destination. Alyssa, where is your bodyguard?"

Looking down, Alyssa replied, "I left them behind. I'm depending on the Andrews for my safety."

Norah's expression became serious. "How well do you know the Andrews? Are you certain of their integrity? It's quite risky to be out without a bodyguard. Do I need to explain such basic safety to you?"

Alyssa's face fell. "I trust my father. I believe in the men he chooses for me. Seeing you now makes me feel even more secure. Norah, you'll look out for me, won't you?"

Norah, however, remained silent. The world's complexities were=more profound than Alyssa realized, and these were lessons she needed to discover on her own.

Both Joanna and Bryson felt that Alyssa was showing her naivety. The sternness in Norah's expression was actually for Alyssa's benefit.

Joanna chimed in, "We can discuss this on the way. Let's get in the car and head off, or we'll be late for Lunch."

She linked arms with Norah and began walking toward the car, casting a glance at Bryson to encourage him to get Alyssa into the car quickly.

Bryson escorted a nearly tearful Alyssa to the car. After starting the engine, he tried to console her. "Don't be upset. Norah has your best interests at heart."

"I know. She mentioned this to me the last time we met, but I didn't take it to heart. She brought it up again today. It's my fault," Alyssa confessed. She was not one to dismiss acts of kindness. On the contrary, her sheltered life had taught her to be introspective and thoughtful.

She added, "I'm sorry you had to witness such an embarrassing moment."

Bryson shook his head. "It's okay. Regardless of our relationship, I want you to prosper."

His tone was even, devoid of emotion, yet Alyssa felt a warmth.

She whispered in response, "Okay, thank you."

The drive from Glophia to the resort in the suburbs took five hours, primarily due to a traffic jam in the city. Fortunately, the delay wasn't too severe, or they might have reached only by nightfall.

Susanna, the trip's coordinator, had already reserved a place for dining at the resort. Immediately after exiting their vehicles, the group of eight made their way to eat.

As they walked, Susanna informed them, "The resort offers a variety of entertainment options, like tabletop games, chess, billiards, and karaoke. After our meal, we can decide what to engage in."

The resort's main attraction was its natural hot springs situated in the mountains, but it also featured excellent facilities for sports and recreation.

Susanna continued, "I reviewed several resorts, and this one garnered the most favorable reviews. There's much to discover here as well."